is one of four aspects that Dr. Cloninger and many other psychologists propose as the basic bricks of normal temperament, the other three being avoidance of harm, reward dependence and persistence. All four humors are thought to be attributable in good part to one's genetic makeup -- the predisposition that one is dealt at birth. They are the aspects of human nature that mark one person as a pessimistic worrywart, another as an outgoing team player.
Temperament remains fairly stable throughout life, Dr. Cloninger said, which means the shy and anxious boy is likely to be the shy and anxious grandfather, though psychiatric drugs, intense counseling or life-changing experiences can modify some aspects of temperament.
Any one person may have a mixture of varying degrees of the four temperamental dimensions. For example, a novelty seeker may have a low quotient of harm avoidance, not fretting over dangers real or imagined; a high level of persistence, and a high level of reward dependence, and so cares about making some sort of impact or statement.
Such an individual could serve as a poster person for achievement, the type with the self-confidence, optimism and originality to do something brilliant in life, assuming his or her great temperament was combined with great talent.
Alternatively, a novelty seeker who is low in reward dependence and low in harm avoidance may care little for friends or society and end up an aloof alcoholic.
24 April 2011
Novelty Seeking research
